Our view: Don't make things so hard

Published 7:00 pm, Saturday, December 20, 2003

Youd think a city facing multimillion-dollar tax appeals by its three largest taxpayers would take care to be sensible with other businesses in town. So why is the City of Midland forcing small businesses to jump through hoops?

The latest example was when the Zoning Board of Appeals made the correct decision in allowing Midland Ford to put up signs for a new building at its South Saginaw Road location.

Before that came down though, owner Jim Wilson had to contend with a city government that tried to call the building an addition and not permit signage. Except that the building is a free-standing structure with no connecting doors, separate heating and utilities and  and this is the kicker  is a seperate building on the city tax roll.

How is it that a building is considered seprate on the tax roll, but an addition when it comes to signage?

This isnt the first case of Midland city government making small businesses and developers jump through hoops and certainly Wilsons victory is rare in itself.

Judith Rapanos has tried three times to add parking to the commercial complex that houses Big John Steak and Onion along Waldo Avenue. Each time the city has rejected requests to change the zoning to allow additional parking, even though its not a desirable spot to build a house.

The city also changed the zoning of Midland Fence from business to residential to prevent extra curb cuts when it changes into the residential area envisioned under the citys master plan  assuming its North Saginaw Road location ever is seen by developers as a good spot for housing.

Midland Fords signage fight isnt even the first time Midland Ford has had to wrangle with the city. Last year, Wilson wanted to park for-sale cars in a lot designated for employee parking. Although he finally was granted his request, it wasnt without long consideration.

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Most of the time the city uses common sense in issuing special use permits and variances. So why didnt the city show some common sense in dealing with Midland Fords new building? Why have some businesses had to include time and aggravation as part of the cost of doing business in the city?